Mid-winter Modeling Musings

I am having issues re-stocking some of my products. Some of it is my own doing (running out before I re-order) and some is manufacturer issues. I won’t address them all, but one thing I am considering: ceasing production on the Rees Winder. The gearing is expensive and hard to get, and the winders are time consuming to make. One possibility is to do a limited run. I don’t know – we will see.

We are also low on balsa, so custom Superior Props may be delayed for a little while. I need to sort out the bulk balsa shipping logistics, but that will be resolved.

New Plan Drawn:

I have a new 1/2 Wakefield drawn up and ready to build. I should have it ready for spring. I will just leave this teaser here for now:

Scale Scrutiny:

I am not a Scale Modeling Expert, but I have built many, many and will continue to do so. Here are some thoughts on things I have observed that gnaw at me.

I have seen plans and models of an aircraft that was produced in a single example. There are photos of the aircraft, but modeled versions do not represent the correct color and/or scheme. This is ok for FAC Simplified Scale or just for fun building and flying, but as a Scale Model, it is irksome to see the wrong coloring and marking.

FAC Combat Models – I have seen photos of color/camo schemes that were NOT wartime colors, but the modeler says they flew and won certain FAC events. A CD must be hard-hearted to exclude such models, but it must be done. No post-war colors should be permitted in either WWI or WWII combat. It’s no different than allowing a purple Chambermaid – and it shouldn’t be done.

A personal pet peeve. A couple years ago, I wanted to join the indoor crowd and fly a Peanut Scale Voison Hydoplane. I did not build one off of existing plans – I did my research and drew up a new plan. During my research, I discovered something that tainted my opinion about EVERY Voison model I have seen: there is documentation on all of the versions of the Voison pusher, both land and water versions. This documentation showed that there is NO version that had a long fuselage; no fuselage was as long as or longer than the wing span. In FAC flying, some modification to the general layout is permitted, but gross exaggerations should not be permitted.P.S. – my Voison did not make it through the testing stage. I could not solve the power and torque issues. But here is a shot of it.Anyway… just some notes to keep up on things in the winter months.

One Response to Mid-winter Modeling Musings

I agree with you, although I haven’t built enough scale models for this to have been a problem for me.
My personal pet peeve is watching guys literally throw their airplanes off the table on ROG launch events. Famous guys. Perryman did it, lots of others still do. It’s strange, because there’s no need for it-the planes usually rocket off the table. (Mine into the ground or a lawn chair.)